Epilobium fleischeri extract is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Epilobium fleischeri plant, belonging to the Onagraceae family. This extract is used in various applications to harness the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of its different plant parts.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The extract from Epilobium fleischeri contains a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids (such as ellagic acid), tannins, and saponins. These components provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. The flavonoids have a characteristic structure with hydroxyl and methoxy groups that enhance their biological activity.

Physical Properties

The extract is typically available as a light to dark brown liquid or a fine powder, depending on the concentration and processing method. It has a characteristic herbal, earthy aroma. The extract is soluble in water and alcohol, with solubility varying based on its formulation and concentration.

Production Process (Chemical or Extraction)

The production of Epilobium fleischeri extract involves several key steps:

• Harvesting The flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant are collected at the optimal growth period to ensure the highest concentration of active ingredients.
• Preparation The harvested plant materials are cleaned to remove dirt and impurities. They may be cut or ground to facilitate extraction.
• Extraction The prepared plant materials undergo extraction using suitable solvents. Common methods include
• Solvent Extraction The plant materials are soaked in solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or water to dissolve the active compounds. The mixture is then filtered to remove plant debris and concentrated.
• Ultrasonic Extraction Utilizes ultrasonic waves to enhance the extraction process, increasing the yield of active compounds.
• Cold Press Extraction Sometimes used to preserve sensitive compounds, where the plant material is pressed at low temperatures to extract essential oils and other components.
• Concentration and Purification The extract is concentrated to boost the potency of active ingredients and purified to remove residual solvents and impurities.
• Drying or Formulation Depending on the desired final form, the concentrated extract may be dried to produce a powder or mixed with other ingredients to create liquid formulations.
• Storage The final product is stored in airtight containers, protected from light, moisture, and heat, to maintain its stability and efficacy.

Applications (Medical, Cosmetics, Others)

Medical Epilobium fleischeri extract is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It is included in various supplements and herbal preparations to support health and address specific conditions.

Cosmetics In cosmetic products, the extract is valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used in skincare products to calm irritation, reduce redness, and provide antioxidant protection.

Others The extract can also be incorporated into dietary supplements and functional foods, utilizing its health benefits and bioactive properties.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   849775-73-1

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Epilobium fleischeri extract is generally considered safe for use in medicinal and cosmetic products when used according to recommended guidelines. However, allergic reactions or skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals. Environmental considerations include the need for sustainable harvesting practices to avoid overharvesting and protect natural habitats. It is important to follow environmental regulations to minimize the ecological impact of production processes.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Granica, S., Piwowarski, J. P., Czerwińska, M. E., & Kiss, A. K. (2014). Phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses of different Epilobium species (Onagraceae): A review. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 156, 316-346.

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance. The Epilobium genus (willowherb) comprises of ca. 200 species of herbaceous plants distributed around the world. Infusions prepared form willowherbs have been traditionally used externally in skin and mucosa infections and in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Nowadays extracts from different Epilobium species are widely used by patients, however the lack of clinical studies does not allow to fully establish their efficacy. The present review summarizes published data on phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological use and pharmacological studies concerning willowherb species investigated throughout past few decades. Materials and methods Literature survey was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Reaxys databases looking for papers and patents focused on chemical composition and bioactivity of Epilobium species. Systematic research in ethnopharmacological literature in digitalized sources of academic libraries was also carried out. Result The chemical composition of different Epilobium species and their bioactivities are described. The detailed information on constituents isolated and detected by chromatographic methods is given. The studies show that polyphenols are main compounds occurring in Epilobium herb among which flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins (oenothein B and oenothein A) are dominating constituents. The extracts and some isolated compounds from Epilobium sp. were shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidative activities. Because many studies suggest that oenothein B as dominating constituent may be responsible for Epilobium sp. pharmacological effects, its documented bioactivities were also described. Conclusions. The pharmacological studies performed on Epilobium justify the traditional use of this species in external and in gastrointestinal inflammations. As far as the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is considered, in the literature, there are some reports indicating that Epilobium extracts have a beneficial effect for this disorder, but the number of in vitro studies is not sufficient and the in vivo studies are not conclusive or too preliminary to draw a final conclusion about the efficacy of Epilobium preparations. More in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies to confirm this mode of action are strongly needed. Epilobium’s extracts have also documented antioxidative and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Oenothein B can be considered as responsible for some of Epilobium pharmacological properties. Because of the lack of clinical data further studies are needed to provide an evidence base for traditional uses of plant materials belonging to the Epilobium genus.

Claypool, J., Roche, M., & Imfeld, D. Skin microbiota modulation made visible: The prebiotic effects of an Epilobium fleischeri extract.

Abstract. The cutaneous microbiota is being increasingly considered in the cosmetic industry as fundamental to the maintenance of healthy skin. The skin microbiota composition differs highly between body sites . Facial skin is a particularly complex environment made of different skin types such as sebaceous (forehead, nose, and chin, also known as T-zone) and dry (cheeks). The composition of the skin microbiota on different facial sites has not been described yet. Therefore, we conducted a clinical study to assess both the bacterial composition on five different facial areas as well as the modulatory effects on the microbiota resulting from the topical application of a plant extract (Epilobium fleischeri) known for its sebum regulating properties

Sfriso R, Claypool J, Roche M, Imfeld D. 5-α reductase inhibition by Epilobioum fleischeri extract modulates facial microbiota structure. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Aug;44(4):440-452. doi: 10.1111/ics.12777. Epub 2022 Jun 23. PMID: 35499362; PMCID: PMC9543575.